Brashna Kasi
Updated on: October 16, 2024 11:21 am GMT
On Wednesday, Inter Miami CF claimed their first-ever Supporters’ Shield, solidifying their position at the top of Major League Soccer (MLS) after a 3-2 victory against the Columbus Crew. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the club’s young history, as they gear up for the playoffs and aim for even more success in the coming weeks.
Historic Achievement
The Supporters’ Shield is awarded to the team with the best regular-season record in MLS. With their latest win, Inter Miami has finished the 2024 season with a strong 68 points, an average of 2.13 points per game. They now hold the number one seed in the Eastern Conference for the upcoming Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Under coach Tata Martino, the team has demonstrated remarkable growth since the arrival of superstars like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. After the game, Martino expressed his pride in the team’s efforts throughout the season, stating, “This was our mission, and we accomplished it.”
Team Dynamics
Inter Miami’s success is not only attributed to its star players but also to the strong groundwork laid by young talents. The roster is a blend of experienced veterans and promising young players, including:
- Diego Gómez (Paraguayan international)
- Benjamin Cremaschi (U.S. international)
- Federico Redondo and Tomás Avilés (Argentine youth internationals)
- David Ruiz (Honduran international)
Goalkeeper Drake Callender and defender Julian Gressel have also played vital roles in the squad’s success. Their efforts exemplify the team’s balance of experience and youthfulness, which has contributed to their impressive performances this season.
Upcoming Challenges
Now that Inter Miami has secured the Supporters’ Shield, their attention turns to the playoffs. They have upcoming matches that could potentially push them past the single-season points record of 73, set by the New England Revolution in 2021. To surpass this record, they must win their remaining two games.
Inter Miami will enjoy home-field advantage for the playoffs at Chase Stadium on December 7, provided they advance that far. They will be facing the East Wild Card winner, which will be determined by the league’s playoff format.
Record-Breaking Performance
The 2024 Supporters’ Shield also adds to Lionel Messi’s remarkable trophy collection. This victory marks his 46th trophy at both club and national levels. Messi has contributed significantly to the team’s success this season, with 17 goals and 15 assists, putting him in contention for the Landon Donovan MLS MVP Award.
Messi, along with fellow legends Luis Suárez, who has netted 18 goals, and the other star players, creates a dynamic that has not only entertained audiences but also brought serious competitive spirit to the league.
Conclusion
Inter Miami’s historic win is a testament to their hard work, talent, and determination. As they prepare for the playoffs, fans are eager to see if this team can achieve more milestones, including potentially breaking the single-season points record. The journey is far from over, and with a roster filled with both stars and rising talents, the future looks bright for Inter Miami.
Inter Miami is a soccer team that has some exciting games coming up. You can find out more about their matches and what they’re up to by checking out their official website!
